NATURA

Natura
Natura
Even though the zoos have evolved into more acceptable
environments for the animals through the years,
a thing to bear in mind is that the animals must be
seen. Otherwise the visitors will not get what they
paid for. Awareness of the effects of the environment
on the animals has evolved in a way that a lot of zoos
are becoming animal parks, with more space, as well
as more effort in designing appropriate environments.
There are different reasons for keeping animals in in
zoos, but education and entertainment are probably
the main motivations. As the human population
grows, less and less of the nature can be considered
as wild or unspoiled. That development may cause
it increasingly important to have animals in zoos or
parks. For wildlife admirers in the UK, the possibility
of approaching animals in the wild is getting more
difficult. Moreover, a lot of animals in zoos are non
native, therefore visiting these places often provide
the only chance for most people to see them.
At Yorkshire Wildlife Park the education and conservation
seems to be important. Signs with information
about the animals can be found close to each animal.
A special educational program is run so schools and
groups can visit for education and pleasure. A web
page supports the educational program and an educational
program for young children up to 16 plus is
provided by the park. The entertainment part is also
important, because families tend to go to the zoos
or the wildlife parks to enjoy a time there together,
exploring and enjoying what there is to see.
Environmental awareness is becoming widespread
among the public and many people have doubts
about zoos, whether their existence is a good thing.
As mentioned earlier, the connection between people
and nature has decreased. For that reason zoos may
be considered to play an important role in education
and conservation, but when keeping the animal welfare
in mind the conclusion is the opposite.
It is worth having in mind the stereotypic and abnormal
behaviour. Is this the right way of showing
animals or does it give a skewed vision on their life?
With modern technology, films made in the wild certainly
can give a better insight. Today, most animals
in zoos have been there all their life and most likely
would not survive in the wild. Is this arrangement
acceptable? Each person must answer that question
for themselves. As long as people are visiting the zoos
and paying their admission fees, zoos will exist.
Image 6. Tigers Panthera tigris. Are they being disturbed by the presence of nearby vehicles at Yorkshire Wildlife park?
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